Page 49 of Silent Comrade
Thank God for his teammates—like brothers he’d never had. He glanced at Rodeo.The guy winked.
The team had made the decision together totake the experimental virus, to try and change the course ofmilitary conflicts with their augmented abilities. Gain anadvantage. Prevent injury and death. Too bad the virus took awayRed’s freedom.
Actually, he had a choice. He could havestayed behind in that glorified military prison that good ol’ UncleSam claimed was a “voluntary testing center” and become aprofessional lab rat for the rest of his life. Instead, he escapedto blend into the shadows with the team. For what purpose?
To use their abilities to help otherveterans and their families out of bad situations.
The endgame Hunt had in mind was lessdefined, but Red knew his CO ultimately wanted to destroy theMorpheus Virus and anyone involved in its creation anddistribution. All that substance did was create monstrous puppetsand even more monstrous puppet masters. In the wrong hands, theMorpheus Virus could tip the scales of global power.
He rolled his hands into fists until thejoints popped.
“Penny for your thoughts.” Rodeo mumbled,not looking at him.
Red leaned across the aisle of their nearlyempty MARTA car, elbows on his knees. “Calculating how long this opwill continue. When we’ll encounter Lequire. Or if.”
Rodeo glanced around. “Might catch a break.Hunt said Lequire’s men had found Reagan this afternoon.”
“Found?”
“Pele saw them on a trail cam.”
“Damn. What about Pele?”
“Radio silence. I assume he’s taking care ofbusiness. Tropical guy is resourceful.”
“But in the Smoky Mountains?”
“Eh, some poison ivy is good for him.”
“At least he’s fearless.” One of Pele’sextra goodies from the virus.
“That’s what makes me nervous.” Rodeo buffedhis nails on his shirt. “An abnormal lack of fear might not mixwell with normal humans who are terrified.”
“Reagan and Pele will do fine. It’s selfish,but I hope they draw Lequire’s attention away from us. Until then,we’re on glorified babysitting duties.”
“Great,” Rodeo quipped.
“There are worse things,” Red offered.
“Speaking of which…” Rodeo stretched up tofull-seated height to casually scan the car behind them and infront of them, then slouched back down. “Sure that roommate doesn’tneed undercover protection, too? I’d like to volunteer to patrolher perimeter.”
Red groaned. “Come on, man. Noextracurricular activities. Mission focus.”
“Hoo boy, you are so not one to talk.”
“I’m professional.”
“Dude, your face turns two shades redderwith every little peek at Britt, and your pupils dilate and yourblinking decreases. Not to mention the pressure wave on yourjugular vein speeds up.”
Gritting his teeth, Red muttered, “Could younot identify all the places where you can kill me?”
“Sure, but I’m bored and want to play,” hewhined.
“Lucky me.”
“You have no idea.” He stared straight aheadand flexed his pecs. “Maybe lucky roommate, if that gal plays hercards right.”
“You read the dossier? She’s a model andstuff.”
